Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

Yet, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

His six-match scoring run sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.

To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top remains two separate five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

What's Behind the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.

Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.

World Cup Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Stiff Competition

However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.

"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."